PGR Support and Community

Engaging with the PGR community is essential for building a strong network of peers and mentors who can offer support, collaboration, and friendship throughout your research journey.

Being an active member of this community enhances your academic and social experience, helping you thrive both personally and professionally.

• ​​​​​PGR Networks
• Forums and Societies
• Interdisciplinary challenges
• Students' Union
• PGR Society
• PGR School Representatives
• PGR Community Fund

PGR Community Fund supports activities which benefit postgraduate researchers (PGRs) of the University of Aberdeen.

The funding call is open to all PGRs, including distance students and one-year Masters by Research students.

Download the Application Form

Submit your application: pgrc@abdn.ac.uk

All applications are reviewed by a panel of at least two members. The panel aims for a four-week turnaround on decisions after receiving an application.

What is the fund for?

The aim of the PGR Community Fund is to provide financial support to enable PGRs to host activities which foster a sense of belonging and inclusion and promote wellbeing. The fund can be used to:

• Enhance Community Engagement: Facilitate activities that encourage PGRs to actively participate in community building. E.g., organise social events such as coffee mornings, book groups, film screenings and networking opportunities.
• Support Wellbeing: The fund may be used towards activities or resources that support PGR wellbeing and promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Promote Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion: The fund may support initiatives that foster an inclusive environment for all PGRs, e.g. through funding speakers and social events celebrating diversity.

Applications should be up to £250. All activities should have a clear benefit to postgraduate researchers within the University. Match-funding applications for single school activity must be up to £125.

Who can apply?

University of Aberdeen postgraduate research students, including distance students and Masters by Research students, are eligible to apply. The application should be made by a team of at least two people.

Please note: 

• Proposed activity must be open to all university PGR students, or at minimum to PGR students from at least 3 schools. Applications for single school events will be considered if match funding is secured from the applicant’s own school.
• Successful applications are required to share the impact of their activities with the wider PGR Community (e.g. via blog post, LinkedIn post, activity report).

You can apply for funding for:

• Event catering
• Expenses for a speaker
• Workshop materials
• Promotional materials
• Small prizes for competitions or thank you gifts

What we don't fund:

• Direct financial assistance to individuals
• Hardware, software or other technical materials that your School would normally be expected to purchase as part of their ongoing budgets
• Reimbursement of University of Aberdeen student/staff time
• Applications for activities open only to PGRs from a single school.

For any questions and to submit your application email pgrc@abdn.ac.uk

PGR events designed to foster community connections, advance research and researcher development, and provide valuable networking opportunities

Winter Warmers
Get the new year off to a good start with the  PGR Winter Warmers - a cosy and relaxed breakfast bringing together postgraduate researchers from all disciplines. It’s a great opportunity to connect with peers at both Old Aberdeen and Foresterhill campuses to share ideas and enjoy a good breakfast with warm drinks in January 2025.
Booking available through Coursebookings

PGR CommuniTea Series
The PGR CommuniTea series provides a platform for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and their supervisors to  engage in discussions dedicated to exploring key themes shaping the PGR experience whilst connecting and building the PGR community.
Booking available through Coursebookings

That’s Not Real Research!
The 'That's Not Real Research!' series aims to break down the perceived barriers between research disciplines, fostering a sustainable and diverse PGR community. At each session, over a catered lunch, you'll hear different PhD perspectives from our Interdisciplinary Fellows and Directors, highlighting their personal experiences and differing approaches to research.
Booking available through Coursebookings

The PGR Community events are kindly funded by the Development Trust Student Experience fund 

The PGR Society was established in April 2025 and focuses on reducing isolation and improving wellbeing by creating opportunities for PGRs to step outside their labs and offices. The Society provides an inclusive space for postgraduates of all ages, disciplines, and backgrounds to share experiences, exchange advice, and build meaningful friendships. Since launching, the society has grown to over 150 members and has hosted a wide range of events including walks, hikes, picnics, barbecues, sports sessions, and their popular weekly “Coffee-and-Yap” meetups every Saturday.

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Academic support is crucial for your success as a PGR student, providing the guidance and resources needed to excel in your research and you should always discuss this with your supervisor(s).

This section highlights other sources of support to help strengthen your research skills and achieve your academic goals.

• PGR Training and Development
• Student Learning Service
• The PhD Coach
• Information Skills

Pastoral support is vital to maintaining your wellbeing and managing the demands of postgraduate research. Accessing these services ensures that you have the emotional and mental health support necessary to stay resilient and focused throughout your studies.

• Services, Support and Wellbeing
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Immigration and Visas
• Language Support
• Support for Disabled PGRs
• PGR Coordinators
• The Wellbeing Thesis

Having the right contacts is essential for navigating the complexities of postgraduate research. This section highlights who to reach out to for advice, support, and assistance, ensuring you have a direct line to the help you need throughout your studies.

• PGR College
• School PGR contacts
• PGR Reps